The real estate firm of Hammond & Hammond, of Alameda, California is composed of father and son, William Hammond, senior and junior. The latter is a native of California and dates his birth in Alameda, July 29, 1876.

The senior William Hammond is an Englishman by birth. In early life he came to California, locating in Alameda county, among its pioneers, and here for thirty years he has been identified with the real estate business, for the past decade having his son associated with him, and carrying on extensive operations. His wife, whose name before marriage was Margaret Banahan, was born in Ireland.

The younger William Hammond grew up in Alameda, receiving a common and high school education. Leaving school at the age of seventeen, he accepted a position as clerk in a wholesale grocery establishment, with which he was connected for five years. From this he turned to the insurance business, in which he was engaged two years. he played professional base ball in the Northwest League for five seasons. In the meantime, in 1894, he became interested in the real estate business with his father, and to this he now devotes his whole attention.

Mr. Hammond married, in 1902, Miss A. Guy, who was born in Oakland, California, daughter of William Guy, the well known sculptor of that place. A native of this state, Mr. Hammond maintains membership in that popular organization known as the Native Sons of the Golden West. He is also a member of the Elks.

Source: History of the New California Its Resources and People, Volume II